Stamps and covers of the world to sell at Spink

The London auctioneer's first 2010 sale could have a few post-Christmas treats for philatelists

January 14, 2010, will already be marked in the calendars of philatelists, for Spink's Stamps & Covers of the world auction.

The 6d. pale buff abnormal plate 13, MK (7k-9k)

A few gems will be hidden among the sale's many lots, including a fresh and fine example of a Great Britain (1873-80) 6d. pale buff abnormal plate 13, MK - originally cancelled by the Irish "157" duplex of Queenstown.

Only 49 of the stamps were ever recorded, most with a Leeds numeral.

Impressively, this is thought to be the only example of the stamp used in Ireland.

It will go under the hammer at Spink in London with an estimate of 7,000-9,000.

A perfect example of one of these stamps could be worth as much as 20,000 according to Stanley Gibbons' price guide.

However, this example has ashortish perforation at the top rightandslightly over-inkedcancellation, so could sell for a price closer to Spink's pre-sale estimate.